Animal releasing leash



Sept..22, 1953 H. G. FOSTER ANIMAL RELEASING LEAsH Filed sept. 14. 1951 yaccompanying drawings in which:

Patented Sept. 22, 19,53

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ANIMAL RELEAsiNG LEASH Harry G. Foster, Mullens, W. Va. Appiiatn september 14, 1951, serial No. 246,562

12 Claims. 01. -119-114) This invention relates to Vim prove'rnents in dog leashes adapted tofbe combined or used with dog collars and for *other animals, for restraining, holding and handling the saine.

In the handling Aof dogs at el'd trials and shows, particularly, itis Vdesirable to restrain the animal until his turn is reached for showing, when he should be released in the simplest and most eiective manner possible, preferably vvithout knowledge of the animal as to when the release is accomplished. fIn some cases it i's desirable to remove thevcollar as well as tha leash from the animal and Without any Iapparent unbuckling or disengagement o'f the collar 0r lthe leash, as the case may tbe. No satisfactory provision has been made heretofore that will acoomplish these results effectively.

An obj ect of this invention 'is to provide a sim-- ple and effective release of an animal, With or Without the collar, 'and' Without any'sfubstantial motion that would Warn the dog -or show when the release is eiec'ted. l

Another object of the invention is to improve the construction of leashes for dogs and Iother animals that Will provide for the eiective restraining thereof, and yet which Will permit-of the release of the animal very simply and without the usual disengagement of a hook or snap, such as Would be involved lordinarily With most leashes used heretofore. n y I 4 Still another object of the invention is to improve the construction of snap hooks for dog leashes and for other animals Which will effectively restrain the animalv in. a secure position and yet may be released readily when desired by the operator.

These objectives may be accomplished according to one embodiment 'of this invention by providing a leash with a snap hook attached thereto, constructed so as to be containedain vclosed position for retaining the animal securely and yet may be released by a flexible memberthat eX- tends lengthwise of the leash to the handle thereof, or it may beV manipulated by the operator in a very simple motion that will not Warn the animal of the act of release being accomplished.

vThe snap hook may be used so as to for-m a part of a collar for the animal or it may beconstructed to engage detachably a separate collar, and in either event will secure the animal effectively in locked relation .until manually released.

rIhis embodiment of the invention, together with a modification thereof, are illustrated in the Fig. 1 is a perspectiveview lof a combined dog 2 leash and collar showing the invention applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged top plan view, showing particularly the snap hook and connected portions of the collar and leash;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal mid-sectional View through 'the structure shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a Iside elevation, similar to Fig. 1, partly in section, 'showing a vmodication oi the locking means `for the "snap hook;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the snap hook in open position; and

Fig. 6 is a cross section on the line B- in Fig. 6.

The invention is shot/'n as applied to a dog leash, although it will -b'e appreciated thatit may be used in leashes for other animals and other forms of restraining devices, as desired. rIfhe leash is designated generally by the numeral i and preferably Ais formed of leather, rawhide or other suitable strong flexible material that may be used for the purpose. The leash I is shown as provided With guide means lengthwise of the major portion thereof formed in this embodiment of a tubular portion 2 provided by turning over the -edges of the strip of material and stitching these edges together in the form of an elongated tube. Any other suitable guide means Vmay be used as may be desired. A handle 3 is formed at one end of the leash l and may be provided in any suitablemanher as a means 0I' grasping and holding the leash for restraining the animal.

At the opposite end of the leash I from the handle 3 is a snap hook generally designated by the numeral 'd for attachment t0 a collar gen I eraliy indicated aty 5. Any suitable form oi' 'collar may be used according to the purpose and manner of use of the leash. The collar as illustrated is of the form adapted to be retained on the leash, although the latter'may be used ii' oesired, With a standard collar intended to be retained on the animal upon release of lthe latter from the leash. '-ihe standard or conventional collar usuallykhas a Bering which may be engaged in the notches 8, il, hereinaiter described, for detachably connecting the leash and snap hook thereto. ln this i'erin the collar 5 is shown as having hinge links' 6 intermediate the length thereof to provide greater ne-xibi-iity when desired, which is desirable especially when using heavy leather for the collar.

The snap hook it in the embodiment illustrated comprises a body portion generally designated at l, which is U-shape in Across section for enclosing the operating parte of the snap hook. At one end the body portion l is provided with a notch 8 of appreciable depth into one side thereof as shown particularly in Figs. and 6 adapted to receive a ring 9 on the collar 5. Where the collar is adapted to be retained on the animal when released, this ring 9 will be the usual D-ring attached to the collar, but in this instance there is a detachable end connection for the collar 5 as shown in Fig. 1. The opposite end of the collar is provided with a link I pivotally connected with the body 'I of the snap hook by a pin II which preferably is detachable from the body for removal of the collar. Normally, however, the pin II would retain the collar 5 on the snap hook and leash to which it is attached even after separation and detachment of the ring 9. The opposite end of the body I is provided with a yoke I2 for attaching the snap hook 4 to the leash I. This yoke I2 has opposite sides embracing the body 'i and secured permanently and rigidly thereto, with a cross bar I3 receiving a loop I4 at the adjacent end of the leash I, the loop being turned back upon itself about the cross bar I3 and stitched permanently as a secure connection between the leash I and the snap hook 4.

A pin I5 extends from side to sfide through the body 'I with its ends turned over forming a riveted connection for securing the yoke I2 to the body l. The pin I5 also forms a pivotal support for a catch generally indicated at I6 operatively mounted in the body 'l'.

The catch I6 has a notch Il in one end portion thereof in position for over-lapping the.

notch 8 in the body l, extending transversely of v.

the latter as will be apparent from Fig. 5. Thus the ring 5 of the collar is received in the notch I1 and held therein and in the notch 5 forming a secure attachment of that ring and end portion of the collar to the snap hook 4 until the catch I6 is released.

Normally the catch I5 assumes the position shown in Fig. 5 being pressed upward by one or more springs I8 interposed between the closed side of the body I and the adjacent portions of the catch I6. In the form shown, these springs I8 are received in notches I9 formed in the lower edge of the catch I6. The springs I3 are interposed between the hinge pin I5 and the end of the catch I6, which has the notch I'I for attachment to the collar.

The opposite end of the catch i6 is adapted to be secured or latched so as to hold this catch in its retaining position as shown in Fig. 3. A latch 20 may be provided for this purpose slidably mounted in the body 'I between the latter and a bridge 2l Within the body. The latch 2i! is in position to engage a notch 22 formed as a shoulder on the back end of the catch I5 and when the latch is in its engaging position as shown in Fig. 3, the catch I5 is secured against swinging movement, thereby retaining the collar securely to the snap hook. A spring 23 surrounds the shank of the latch 25 and normally urges the latch forward to the position shown in Fig. 3, this spring 23 being interposed between the body of the latch and a fixed abutment 24 mounted in the body 'I. The shank of the latch 20 is attached to a cable or string generally indicated at 25 extending outwardly from the snap hook l and the leash I to a hand portion 26 adjacent to handle 3 on the leash. The hand portion 23 is adapted to be grasped by the operator for releasing the latch 20 and thereby disengaging the leash from the animal, either with or without the collarz,

according to the manner of connection thereof.

The cord or string 25 is guided along the leash Il by suitable guide means which in the embodiment here set forth is provided by extending the cord or string through the tubular portion 2 of the leash.

In addition to the spring 23 which acts on the cord or string 25, it may be desirable to provide an additional spring acting thereon to draw downward this string or cord through the tubular' portion 2 of the leash after release of the hand hold portion 26, as indicated at 21. The spring 21 is anchored at one end to the cord or string' 25 and at its opposite end it bears against a sleeveV 28 inserted into the adjacent end of the tubular portion 2 of the leash, being retained in place thereon by rivets, preferably, although other suitable fastening means may be used as desired.

Provision may be made, if desired, for locking the catch I6 in its closed position as shown in Fig. 3, although such locking means is not essential and may be omitted if not required. In the example illustrated, the locking means comprises a pair of plates 25, one on either side of the body 'I and connected together by pins 35 and 3 I, which extend transversely through the body 'I and through slots in opposite sides thereof for sliding movement of the pins 30 and 3I and of the plates 29 lengthwise of the body 1. The pin 3@ extends through a right angular slot 32 in the catch I5 as shown in Fig. 3, while the pin 3l extends through a straight slot 33 in opposite sides of the body l. Normally tbe plates 29 are pressed forward in the position shown `in Fig. 3 to lock the catch IS against swinging movement about the pivot pin i5, even when the latch 20, is disengaged therefrom. A leaf spring 34, may be used on one of the plates 29, as shown in Fig. 2 to engage the notches 35 in a side of the body 'I or the yoke I2 to retain the locking plates 29 in their adjusted positions. When the locking plates 29 are withdrawn or moved to the right from the position represented by the pins 35 and 3I in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the pin 3@ will be in the angular portion of the slot 32. In that position, the catch I6 is free to turn on the pivot pin I5 under the action of the springs IB upon release of the latch 25, assuming the position shown in Fig. 5. Thus the animal can be disengaged from the collar 5, either with or without separation of the collar from the animal, according to the construction of the former and the manner of attachment thereof to the snap hook 4. However, after engagement of the animal and the closing of the catch IB to retain the collar on the leash, the locking plates 25 may be moved forward to the position represented by Fig. 3 for securing the catch I5 against accidental release until this locking device is operated.

A modified form of locking Vdevice is shown in Fig. 4 in which the catch is provided with a shoulder 35 in position to be engaged by a slidable locking member 3l mounted in the body of the snap hook for movement lengthwise thereof. Pins 38 extend from side to side of the body of the snap hook, forming a guide for the locking member 31. Otherwise, this form of device functions in the same manner as described above.

The operation of the leash and snap hook will be evident from the foregoing description without requiring repetition. It will be apparent that the animal can be retained securely on the leash until its release is desired and then it may be disengaged therefrom very simply and effectively merely by grasping the handheld 25 and accaeoe milling upward thereon. without 'suchmoyement .beine apparent .to the. animal, and without reduiring any such .action as would Amake evident to the animal lthefactpof its'release. VAtthesame time, `until released, theanimal will iberetained rsei'zurely .0n thelleash without danger of accidentalseparation or removal therefrom. LThe :device is extremely effective lforjitsintended purpose and relatively `simple. to manufacture and use.

While the invention Ahas `been illustratedand described in certain embodiments, it is'recog'nized that variations and .changes .maybe made therein without departing from the invention, rexceptas specified in the I claim:

1. An animal leash adapted 'for attachment to .acollarofan -animal, comprising an elongated leash member having a handle at one end portion thereof, a snap .hook connected with the leash member at the opposite end portion thereof, latch means connected with the snap hook for engaging the collar fand holding the collar ksecurely to the ,snap hook, fsa-id leash `member having a tubular portion extending lengthwise thereof, ,and a, exible member 'connected with vthe latch .means and extending through Asaid tubular portion .toa pointadjacent to thehandle 4for manual ^manipulation to vrelease :the .latch means, a sleeve fixed to the tubular portionofthe leash member, and a coiled .springbearing against .the sleeve at one end and "having its opposite end anchored to the flexible-member normally tending to'move said-nexi-ble-member in onedirection.

2. An animal leash comprising a leash member, a snap hook connected with the leash member, a collar for the animal connected at one end portion thereof with the snap hook and having a ring member at the opposite end portion thereof adapted for detachable engagement with the snap hook, and a catch mounted on the snap hook for detachably engaging the ring member means pivotally connecting the catch to the snap hook, and spring means acting on the catch between said pivot means and the point of engagement with the ring member tending to move the catch to an open position for disengagement of the ring member.

3. A snap hook for an animal leash comprising an elongated body having a hook at one end portion thereof adapted for engagement with an animal collar, a catch extending lengthwise of the body, means pivoting the catch on the body for swinging movement relative thereto, said catch having an opening therein in position to receive a portion of the animal collar and intersecting the hook in closed position, and spring means interposed between the body and the catch and located between the pivot means and the opening normally acting to move the catch to an open position.

4. A snap hook for an animal leash comprising an elongated body having a hook at one end portion thereof adapted for engagement with an animal collar, a catch extending lengthwise of .the body, means pivoting the catch on the body for swinging movement relative thereto, said catch having an opening therein in position to receive a portion of the animal collar and intersecting the hook in closed position, spring means interposed between the body and the catch and located between the pivot means and the opening normally acting to move the catch to an open A position, and a spring-pressed latch in position to engage the catch and hold said catch in closed position.

n 5. A isnap 'hook `for Evan animal leash ycomprising an elongated body having a `hook atone end portion thereof adapted for engagement with an animal collar, Ia catch extending lengthwise of the body, means pivoting the catch on the -body for swinging movement-relative thereto, said lcatch having an `opening therein Lin vposition to receive Aa portion of the animal 'collar and V'intersecting the hook in closed position, spring means interposed between the body and the-catch and 5located Vbetween the pivot means and the opening `normally acting to move the v'catch tcan open 4#position, and lock means vcon-nected with the fbody in position to engage the catch in closed position vand hold the catch against-opening movement.

6. An animal leash comprising a collar 'having opposite ends `v and 4adapted to be applied to an locking the keeper portion thereof infengagement with the collar, a leash member connected with the body, and a flexible -mem'ber connected .with the latch member and extending lengthwise .of the leash member.

'7. An animal leash #comprising a collar having opposite ends and adapted L`to fbeapplied .to .an animal, a hook device including abody .connected with one end of the collar, -a catch vmember'pivotally connected with the body and having a keeper portion thereon for engaging and anchoring the opposite end of the collar, a latch member slidably mounted on the body behind the catch member in position to hold the keeper portion closed on the collar, a leash member connected with the body, and a iiexible member connected with the latch member and extending lengthwise of the leash member.

8. An animal leash comprising a collar having opposite ends and adapted to be applied to an animal, a hook device including a body connected with one end of the collar, a catch member pivotally connected with the body and having a keeper portion thereon for engaging and anchoring the opposite end of the collar, a spring bearing on the catch member in a direction to open the keeper portion thereof, a latch member slidably mounted on the body in position to engage the catch member in opposition to the spring, a leash member connected with the body, and a flexible member connected with the latch member and extending lengthwise of the leash member.

9. An animal leash comprising a collar having opposite ends and adapted to be applied to an animal, a hook device including a body connected with one end of the collar, a catch member pivotally connected with the body. and having a keeper portion thereon for engaging and anchoring the opposite end of the collar, said keeper portioncomprising a notch in the end of the catch member, the body having a notch in the side thereof intersecting the notch in the catch member in closed position of the latter, a latch member slidably mounted on the body behind the catch member in position to hold the keeper portion closed on the collar, a leash membei` connected with the body, and a flexible member connected with the latch member and extending lengthwise of the leash member.

10. An animal leash comprising a collar having opposite ends and adapted to be applied to an animal, a hook device including a body connected with one end of the collar, a catch member operatively connected with the body and having a keeper portion thereon for engaging and anchoring the opposite end of the collar, a latch member operatively connected with the body in position for engaging the catch member and locking the keeper portion thereof in engagement with the collar, a leash member connected with the body, and a flexible member connected with the latch member and extending lengthwise of the leash member, said leash member being folded over upon itself enclosing the flexible member therein substantially throughout its length.

11. An animal leash comprising a collar having opposite ends and adapted to be applied to an animal, aV hook device including a body connected with one end of the collar, a catch member operatively connected with the body and having a keeper portion thereon for engaging and anchoring the opposite end ofv the collar, a latch member operatively connected with the body in position for engaging the catch member and locking the keeper portion thereof in engagement With the collar, a leash member connected With the body, a flexible member connected with the latch member and extending lengthwise of the leash member, and resilient means connected with the iieXible member normally tending to move the flexible member for- Ward relative to thel leash member.

12. An animal leash comprising a collar hav-f ing opposite ends andadapted to be applied to an animal, said collar having separate sections connected together by a plurality of spaced hinge links intermediate said opposite ends, a hook device including a body connected with one end of the collar, a catch member operatively connected with the body and having a keeper portion thereon for engaging and anchoring the opposite end of the collar, a latch member operatively connected With the body in position for engaging the catch member and locking the keeper portion thereof in engagement with the collar, a leash member connected with the body, and a exible member connected with the latch member and extending lengthwise of the leash member.

HARRY G. FOSTER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 770,070 Johnson Sept. 13, 1904 794,563 Stahlknecht July 11, 1905 1,290,110 Deatrick Jan. 7, 1919 1,297,872 Larson Mar. 18, 1919 1,626,866 Neilson May 3, 1927 1,949,608 Johnson Mar. 6, 1934 2,555,027 Clayton May 29, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 209,513 Germany May 4, 1909 

